The government will spend about S$1 billion over the next five years to realise the remaking plans for the three areas selected for the HDB’s “Remaking Our Heartland” programme.
Describing them as established ones, National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said they are Hougang, East Coast and Jurong Lake areas.
Launching the Remaking Our Heartland plans at Hougang on Saturday, Mr Mah explained that the three areas have distinctive qualities unique to their location, history and geography.
And the redevelopment plans will build on what makes each area unique and endearing to Singaporeans.
Mr Mah described Hougang as a town rich in heritage and historical monuments.
He said rejuvenation is not only about new buildings or facilities, but also about preserving and strengthening heritage and the familiar places identified with it.
Mr Mah said the new developments will be tailored to blend well with the old.
So the vision for Remaking Our Heartland plan in Hougang is: “Colours of Hougang – Enriching and Engaging”.
The HDB says an upcoming landmark project within the Hougang Town Centre includes a mixed commercial and private residential development.
This development will be integrated with the bus interchange and HDB Hougang Branch office. The site will be launched within the next three years and will be comparable in size with Century Square in Tampines.
When completed together with the proposed Heritage Corner, these proposals will form the new face and image of Hougang Town Centre, with a distinctive new buzz and a greater sense of identity.
There will also be new housing at the vacant land parcels located at the northeastern (near Serangoon Reservoir) and western (Buangkok area) parts of Hougang.
Residents seeking to buy new homes or upgrade their flats can also look forward to the first riverfront public housing in Hougang.
For East Coast, the HDB will remake the area surrounding East Coast Park and Bedok Reservoir into a recreational hub for Singaporeans.
A key idea for this area is to enhance the outdoor playground for residents in the east.
For Jurong Lake, with its proximity to large water-bodies such as the Jurong Lake, Pandan Reservoir and the upcoming regional centre at Jurong Gateway, it will soon be transformed into a unique residential district.
It would be complete with key leisure and recreational destinations for both locals and tourists.
Mr Mah said connectivity will also be enhanced to allow as many residents as possible to use the new facilities.
He explained that the Remaking Our Heartland plans for the first three estates – Punggol, Yishun and Dawson – have shown how estates of different ages could be developed or rejuvenated to inject vibrancy into HDB living and meet people’s aspirations for the future.
Mr Mah assured Singaporeans that so long as Singapore continues to grow, the government will extend the Remaking Our Heartland plans to more HDB estates.
Source : Channel NewsAsia – 8 Jan 2011